Festival gets splash of Old Spice

Mel C's mother is singing in a Tina Turner tribute group

The mother of ex-Spice Girl Mel C was taking to the stage in the star's home city of Liverpool on Sunday as part of a music festival.

Joan O'Neill, whose daughter Melanie Chisholm was Sporty Spice in the famous girl group, was due to sing with her Tina Turner tribute band, River Deep.

The Croxteth Festival of Community Music, Arts and Culture - being staged at Croxteth Hall - has been organised by the city council and Croxteth Community Trust.

It aims to encourage local musicians to show what they can do and demonstrate the depth of talent in the city which will be European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Andrew Coleman, who shot to fame in the television programme Popstars and who is currently working on an album with Sade, is also due to perform.

The event was due to finish at 1700 BST and included face painting, magicians and a funfair.

Councillor Warren Bradley, of Liverpool City Council, said: "Liverpool won European Capital of Culture 2008 because of the cultural talent which exists across the city.

"The Croxteth Festival of Community Music, Arts and Culture celebrates the very best local talent and is a great day out for all the family."